LUGGAGE CARRIER STRAP ASSEMBLY

Abstract: A luggage carrier (10) for releasable attachment to luggage (L) in suspending the luggage (L) from the shoulders and across the back of a person carrying the luggage is made up of a pair of elongated strap members (30, 32), each with padded sections (34), the strap members having a common connecting end (44, 46, 48) connected to an intermediate suspension member (18) on the luggage (L) and opposed, free connecting ends (38) connected to opposite end suspension members (20, 21) on the luggage (L) so that the strap members (30, 32) extend in end-to-end relation to one another when connected to the suspension members (20, 21), and the luggage (L) will be suspended in centered relation across the back of a person when the strap members (30, 32) are passed over the shoulders.

Description: LUGGAGE CARRIER STRAP ASSEMBLY Cross-Reference to Related Applications This application is a continuation-in-part application of Serial No. 967,784, filed 29 October, 1992, for SHOULDER-BORNE CARRYING STRAP ASSEMBLY FOR ARTICLES, SUCH AS, GOLF BAGS by Theodore-James Izzo. Specification This invention relates to luggage carriers and more particularly relates to a novel and improved strap assembly for releasable attachment to luggage in order to enable suspension of the luggage from the shoulders and across the back of a person carrying the luggage. Background and Field of Invention Article carriers are provided in various forms including but not limited to suitcases, knapsacks, duffle bags, briefcases, computer cases and other equipment cases and, for purposes of the present invention, are generically referred to as "luggage". Luggage is typically provided with some form of releasable closure to gain access to the interior of the luggage with a handle located intermediately of the upper surface so that it may be conveniently lifted and carried in the hand. However, carrying luggage for extended distances can become quite tiring and place undue strain on the shoulders and back. For this reason, it is now customary to provide suspension rings or grommets at opposite ends of the upper surface of the luggage to facilitate attachment of a flexible shoulder strap which can be placed over one shoulder. Previously, I devised a dual strap assembly for golf bags which is generally characterized by a first strap which extends between the upper open end of the bag and a handle, and a second strap extends from the handle to a lower attachment point on the bag so that the golf bag can be suspended from one or both shoulders; and reference is made to U.S. Patent Nos. 5,038,984, 5,042,703 and 5,042,704. In the past, knapsacks have been devised with a pair of shoulder straps extending diagonally along one side surface of the knapsack so that the knapsack can be suspended from both shoulders and thereby more evenly distribute the load of the knapsack across the back of the person. For example, reference is made to U.S. Patent No. 3,622,056 to Droeger. Knapsacks of this type and particularly with the diagonal strap suspension members extend across one side of the knapsack and are designed more for carrying of the article for extended distances and cannot be very easily slipped on and off the shoulders. Moreover, the strap configuration is such that it is not adaptable for releasable attachment to the knapsack; nor is it designed to permit releasable attachment to the existing suspension members on modern day luggage. Accordingly, there is a need for a suspension system of the type which can be releasably attached to the existing suspension members, including the handle, on the luggage so as to permit the luggage to be carried across the back and suspended from the shoulders for short or long distance hauling and in such a way that the suspension system can be easily slipped on and off one or both shoulders as desired. It is further desirable that the suspension system be releasably connected to the suspension members so that it can be easily detached or removed and stored in the luggage, for example, when the suspension system is not needed or when the luggage is to be stowed away in storage holds of public conveyances, such as, busses, airplanes and the like. Summary of Invention It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide for a novel and improved suspension system for articles, such as, luggage to facilitate carrying of same by suspension from the shoulders of a person. It is another object of the present invention to provide for a novel and improved shoulder strap assembly adapted for releasable connection to existing suspension members on conventional luggage so as to facilitate suspension of the luggage from the shoulders and to more uniformly distribute the load across the entire back. It is a further object of the present invention to provide for a novel and improved shoulder strap assembly which is adaptable for releasable attachment to standard luggage of all types and in such a way that the shoulder strap assembly can be easily detached when not in use; and further wherein the shoulder strap assembly can be adjusted in length for most comfortable suspension of the luggage. In accordance with the present invention, in luggage of the type having an outer enclosure provided with a releasable closure and a series of suspension members at spaced intervals along a common surface thereof including at least one intermediate suspension member and end suspension members adjacent to opposite ends of the common surface, the combination therewith comprising a shoulder strap assembly having first and second strap members, each of the strap members having a first connecting end connected to one of the intermediate suspension members and a second connecting end connected to one of the end suspension members, the first and second strap members extending in substantially end-to-end relation to one another when connected to the suspension members, each of the first and second strap members being in the form of a loop for suspension from a shoulder of a person such that the luggage will be suspended from the shoulders and extend transversely across the back of the person. Typically the intermediate suspension member is in the form of a hand grip, and the end suspension members are in the form of swivel type rings or loops at opposite ends of the luggage. The above and other objects of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of preferred and modified forms of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings in which: Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a rear view of a preferred form of dual strap assembly for suspending luggage across the back of a person; Figure 2 is an end view of the assembly shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan view of the preferred form of dual strap assembly and illustrating the curvilinear configuration of the individual strap members; Figure 4 is a somewhat fragmentary side view of the connecting loop between the intermediate suspension point on the luggage and the strap assembly; and Figure 5 is a rear view of a modified form of dual strap assembly in connected relation to a luggage item. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment Referring in detail to the drawings, there is shown by way of illustrative example in Figures 1 to 4 a preferred form of dual strap assembly 10 for a conventional piece of luggage L. The luggage L is representative of various types of luggage pieces, such as, suitcases, briefcases, knapsacks, duffle bags, computer and other equipment cases having separable halves or shells 11 and 12 defining an interior compartment or space. Suitable latches, not shown, are disposed along an upper surface portion 14 of the mating halves 11 and 12 and includes a hinged section along its bottom surface 16. A hand grip or handle 18 defines an intermediate suspension member for carrying the luggage in one hand, and end suspension members 20, 21 are disposed at opposite ends of the upper surface portion 14 in longitudinally spaced relation to the handle 18. The handle 18 is of conventional construction and, for example, may take the form of a flexible strap riveted to the upper surface 14. In turn, the end suspension members 20, 21 are each in the form of a lift ring 22 attached in swiveled relation to the upper surface portion 14 and being disposed at right angles to the length of the upper surface portion 14. The preferred form of dual strap assembly 10, as best seen from Figure 3, comprises strap members 30 and 32 which are correspondingly made up of an elongated padded section 34 having longitudinally spaced tacks 35, and each padded section 34 is attached at opposite ends by stitching at 36 and 37 to end straps 38 and 39, respectively, the latter defining flexible extensions of opposite ends of the padded sections for releasable connection to the suspension members 18, 20 and 21 in a manner to be hereinafter described. Each end strap 38 is in the form of webbing which is looped through a mounting ring 40 of a swivel connector 42. Similarly, each end strap 39 is in the form of webbing 39 which is seamed to an adjoining end of the other strap 39 by stitching 44 so as to form a common loop at the adjoining end in surrounding relation to a ring 46. In this way, the webbing 39 diverges away from the common or adjoining end into each of the padded sections 34. In order to facilitate attachment of the strap assembly to the intermediate suspension member 18, an elongated flexible strip of material 48 has a looped end 49 which is secured to the ring 46 and complementary opposed hook-and-loop fastening surfaces 50 and 51, such as, those of the type customarily referred to as VELCRO as shown in Figure 4. In this way, the lower free end of the strip 48 can be looped around the handle 18 and secured to itself. Referring once again to the opposite end straps 38 of each of the strap members 30 and 32, each end strap 38 is adjustably secured to the swivel connector 42 by passing through the mounting ring 40 and a conventional buckle 54 which is anchored to the end of the padded section 34. The free end of the strap 38 is doubled back upon itself and extended beneath one end of the buckle 54 in adjusting to the desired effective length. The swivel connector 42 is of conventional construction and includes a swivel end portion 56 journaled to one side of the member 40 and a snap hook 58 for releasable attachment to one of the end suspension members 20, 21. In securing the strap assembly to a piece of luggage, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the flexible mounting strip 48 is secured to the handle 18 so as to be in centered relation to the luggage L, and the swivel connectors 42 are hooked to the end suspension members 20 and 21. The curvilinear configuration of the padded sections 34 of each of the strap members 30 and 32; i.e., wherein the central axis of each padded section extends along a gradual curve in the plane of each section 34, will permit the person P to pass each arm in succession through the strap members 30 and 32 such that the padded sections 34 rest on the shoulders and the end straps 38 pass downwardly in front of and slightly along each side of the person, then rearwardly into connected relation to the end suspension members 20 and 21. In this relation, the person may make appropriate adjustment to the free ends of the end portions 38 passing through the buckle members 54 to properly balance and establish the location of the luggage on the back. In order to remove the luggage L from the back, it is merely necessary to slide the padded sections 34 off of the shoulders and arms, either successively or simultaneously and lower it to the floor. When necessary to remove the strap assembly 10 from the luggage L, the snap hooks 58 are released from the end suspension members 20 and 21, and the flexible webbing strip 48 is released from the handle 18. Detailed Description of Modified Form of Invention There is illustrated in Figure 5 a somewhat modified form of strap assembly 10' in which like elements to that of the snap assembly 10 of the preferred form are correspondingly enumerated. The strap assembly 10' is intended for use when the assembly is to be more of a permanent mounting with respect to a piece of luggage L' . Accordingly, the only modification is to remove the swivel connectors 42 including their mounting rings 40; and the end portions or straps 38 passed directly through one of the mounting rings of the end suspension members 20 and 21 and adjustably secured to each buckle 54. As in the preferred form, the flexible webbing strip 48 is releasably secured to the handle 18. The luggage L' is intended to be representative of various types of flexible or soft- sided luggage more of the dufflebag or knapsack variety and having outer pockets C in juxtaposed relation to one another on one side surface of the luggage L'. Although not shown, typically this luggage L' may include a zipper type of closure or flap which encloses an interior space or compartment. Again, however, it will be readily apparent that the strap assembly 10 or 10' of either the preferred or modified forms is readily conformable for use with briefcases, computer or camera cases and virtually any type of suitcase or suitbag as described. Furthermore, it will be evident that the strap assembly 10 or 10' may be retrofit to luggage which does not include the end suspension members 20 and 21 by affixing suspension members to the upper surface 14 or opposite ends just outwardly of the upper ends; and in certain luggage configurations, it may be desirable to affix the ends of the strap assembly to attachment points on one side surface of the luggage adjacent to the upper surface 14 so as to best achieve proper balance and weight distribution of the luggage when placed across the back. The foregoing is equally applicable if the strap assembly 10 or 10' is to be furnished as original equipment along with the luggage. A number of notable advantages are realized from the utilization of the preferred and modified form of strap assemblies 10 and 10'. The strap assembly is readily interchangeable for use on different types of luggage simply by removal and reattachment and will accommodate itself to various different sizes of luggage as well as being adaptable for use in carrying golf bags in the manner described in my hereinbefore referred to U.S. Patent Nos. 5,038,984, 5,042,703 and 5,042,704. The opposite end portions 38 of the strap assemblies are readily adjustable as described, and the adjoining ends 39 are interconnected by means of the stitching 44 in such a way as to stiffen the strap members and maintain somewhat in an elevated position with respect to the luggage so that the luggage can be more easily lifted off the ground and placed on the shoulders without undue bending or strain. It is therefore to be understood that while preferred and modified forms of invention are herein set forth and described, the above and other modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims and reasonable equivalents thereof.

Claims: I claim: 1. In luggage of the type having an outer housing provided with a releasable closure and a plurality of suspension members at spaced intervals along or adjacent to a common surface of said enclosure including at least one intermediate suspension member and opposite end suspension members adjacent to opposite ends of said common surface, the combination therewith comprising: a shoulder strap assembly having first and second strap members, each of said strap members having a first connecting end connected to said intermediate suspension member and a second connecting end connected to one of said end suspension members, said first and second strap members extending in substantially end-to-end relation to one another when connected to said suspension members for suspension from both shoulders of a person. 2. In luggage according to claim 1, each of said strap members having means for adjusting the length of said strap members when connected to said luggage whereby to position the luggage at the desired area of engagement with the back of the person. 3. In luggage according to claim 1, each of said strap members being curvilinear and having padded sections along a lengthwise portion thereof. 4. In luggage according to claim 1, each of said second connecting ends having securing means for releasably connecting said second connecting ends to said end suspension members. 5. In luggage according to claim 1, said first connecting ends joined together and having a common, flexible webbing strip releasably secured to said intermediate suspension member, said first connecting ends including stiffening means for directing said first connecting ends upwardly from said intermediate suspension member. 6. In luggage of the type having an outer elongated housing provided with a releasable closure and a series of suspension members at longitudinally spaced intervals alδng or adjacent, an upper surface thereof including at least one intermediate suspension member and opposite end suspension members adjacent to opposite ends of said upper surface, the combination therewith comprising: a shoulder strap assembly having first and second strap members, each of said strap members having a first connecting end connected to one of said intermediate suspension members and a second connecting end connected to one of said end suspension members, said first and second strap members extending in substantially end-to-end relation to one another when connected to said suspension members for suspension from both shoulders of a person with said luggage extending transversely across the back of the person. 7. In luggage according to claim 6, each of said strap members having means for adjusting the length of said strap members when connected to said luggage whereby to position theluggage at the desired area of engagement with the back of the person. 8. In luggage according to claim 6, each of said strap members being curvilinear and having padded sections along a lengthwise portion thereof. 9. In luggage according to claim 6, each of said second connecting ends having securing means for releasably connecting said second connecting ends to said end suspension members. 10. In luggage according to claim 6, said first connecting ends joined together and having a common, flexible webbing strip releasably secured to said intermediate suspension member. 11. In luggage according to claim 10, said first connecting ends including stiffening means for directing said first connecting ends upwardly from said intermediate suspension member. 12. In luggage according to claim 11, wherein said intermediate suspension member is in the form of a hand grip on the upper surface of the luggage and said flexible webbing strip includes opposed, hook-and-loop fastener surfaces for releasable connection to said hand grip. 13. In luggage according to claim 6f, wherein said end suspension members are defined by lift rings, said second connecting ends each defined by a swivel connector including a snap hook for releasable attachment to each of said lift rings. 14. In luggage of the type having an outer elongated housing provided with a releasable closure and a series of suspension members at longitudinally spaced intervals along or adjacent to an upper surface thereof including an intermediate suspension member and a pair of end suspension members adjacent to opposite ends of said upper surface, the combination therewith comprising: a shoulder strap assembly having first and second strap members, said strap members having a common connecting end connected to said intermediate suspension member and each said strap member having a second connecting end connected to one of said end suspension members whereby said strap members extend longitudinally of said housing when connected to said intermediate and end suspension members, each of said strap members being in the form of an open loop for suspension from a shoulder of a person with said luggage extending transversely across the back of the person. 15. In luggage according to claim 14, wherein said intermediate suspension member is in the form of a hand grip on the upper surface of the luggage and said flexible webbing strip includes opposed, hook-and-loop fastener surfaces for releasable connection to said hand grip. 16. In luggage according to claim 14, wherein said end suspension members are defined by lift rings, said second connecting ends each defined by a swivel connector including a snap hook for releasable attachment to each of said lift rings. 17. In luggage according to claim 14, each of said connecting ends being defined by flexible webbing and having means for adjusting the effective length of said webbing when connected to said end suspension members. 18. In luggage according to claim 17, each of said second connecting ends including a swivel connection for releasable attachment to one of said end suspension members. 19. In luggage according to claim 14, each of said strap members having curvilinear padded sections between said common connecting end and said second connecting end. 20. In luggage according to claim 14, said common connecting end having a flexible webbing strip releasably secured to said intermediate suspension member. 21. A luggage carrier wherein an article of luggage has an intermediate hand grip on its upper surface and opposite lift rings disposed at opposite ends of said upper surface, a shoulder strap assembly having first and second strap members, said strap members having a common connecting end provided with a flexible strip of VELCRO material with hook-and-loop fasteners on opposed surfaces thereof extending around said hand grip and secured to itself, and opposite ends of said strap members to said common connecting end including flexible end straps, each of said end straps including means for releasably connecting each said end strap to one of said lift rings, and each of said strap members having a padded section between said connecting end of said strap member, said first and second strap members extending in end-to-end relation to one another when connected to said suspension members for extension of said padded sections over the shoulders of a person with said luggage extending transversely across the back of the person.

Inventors: IZZO THEODORE-JAMES, IZZO, THEODORE-JAMES
Applicants: IZZO THEODORE J, IZZO, THEODORE-JAMES
Application year: 1994
Main classification: A45F3
IPC codes: A45F3